Leigh's Spiritual Garden:

Thoughts of ThanksGiving

Yes, November is the time we, as Americans, celebrate a “Thanksgiving.” However, come on, really, how many of us think about the Pilgrims and the Native Americans at this time of the year?

Yes, if you have children in school, they, at the lower elementary grades, may be introduced to an “American Thanksgiving.” I was a teacher once, I remember.

Yes, I also remember living on a little country road in a little oil shack that had been turned into a “home.” No running water, no bathroom, only a wood burning stove in the “dining room,” where I would take a bath in the evening in a galvanized round “tub.”

Yes, I remember, looking across the gravel road and seeing the corn field that had been harvested and for some reason this makes me remember Thanksgiving in those days.

Yes, many years have gone by, I have changed from that little girl that was poor, raised by a Mother that had problems and many of her family had to take care of her and me.

Yes, I was, so called, rescued from that life and moved to a big city, went to grade school and then because of a wealthy aunt I was sent away to a “girls boarding school,” of rather high class.

Yes, I learned much, but I also missed much. I was the girl who very seldom had Sunday visitors and some other parents took pity on me and would invite me out to dinner with their daughter.

No, I do not feel sorry for myself, all the time, but I do once in a while, however, I am Blessed.

I am Blessed by God because He has brought so many wonderful people into my life over the years and I thank Him for all those who have loved me.

I am Blessed because I have sustained abuse and God has brought me through.

I am Blessed because I have children who love me.

I am Blessed because God has given me a heart full of compassion and the Gift of Love for all people.

I am Blessed because “You might knock me down, but if you turn and pick me up, I can forgive you.

My list could go on; but I will stop here.

How are you Blessed, do you even stop to think about all the Blessings you have?

Thinking back many years ago, how would you have managed through all the hardships of living in a New World?

We, I suppose can, sometimes relate because we still live in a “NEW” world that is forever spinning into a “whirlwind storm.” I pray that God helps us survive in the world we now live in with the same stamina that the Pilgrims had in their very being.

May you and your loved ones, and I know some will be alone this year, as in many years past, please count your Blessings, because they are there!

AND, if you know of anyone who NEEDS some Love and Kindness, please share your Blessings with them.